I abhor the term “mental toughness” and all the implications and baggage that comes with it. It is not part of my coaching vocabulary or practice. I want to help my athletes be mentally strong and understand why they are doing what they are doing. There are tough Workouts and there are easy workouts all directed toward one goal: Preparing a robust adaptable Athlete who is ready to thrive in the competitive arena. That requires mindful highly focused training that is done with intent and purpose. It means that the athlete has been there in mind and body every day with a clear focus on the task at hand. No puke workouts or punishment training because that is the fastest way to get the athlete to turn off their brain. Every workout demands intense concentration, so much so that the competition is easy. Be a coach and be a professional and help your athlete get better by guiding them and respecting them!